The Fine Art of Family Magazine

Flowers wilt and die. Chocolates get eaten. Words are forever. Case in point: I still own this photography book that my college boyfriend gave me as a Valentine’s gift. He knew I was obsessed with photography so he gave me this book about a Hungarian photographer that he found in a second-hand shop. Inside he wrote an inscription to me, something to the effect of “…to inspire you and nurture your artistic side.” His thoughtful act has stayed with me. Literally, it’s on my bookshelf.

Truth be told, I didn’t remember the gift until I stumbled across it while cleaning. Finding it brought back fond memories. It is gifts like this that I believe capture the essence of the holiday. The written sentiment—that someone cared about me—is still there, as if suspended in time, and therefore, lasts forever. You can do something very thoughtful and meaningful without spending a lot of money. Personally, I think the written word is the best way to go. I send everyone in my family a card every Valentine’s.

It saddens me to think that handwriting is becoming so rare thanks to texting, emails, Facebook, you name it. Letters or inscriptions will soon no longer exist. My daughters get texts from their boyfriends. None of them are saved. They’re all lost. I have this box of cards and notes from my husband Rod, camp letters from my kids, and postcards from my parents that I love to sift through every once in a while. What will my kids have to reflect on and share with their children?

This Valentine’s Day take the time to sit down and write someone—a partner, parent, sibling, child, or friend. Tell them how you feel in a card, note, or inscription in a book. Challenge yourself to say more than “Love [insert your name].” It can be simple and powerful, like “I just want to take this opportunity to tell you how I feel…I’m so proud to have you in my life.” When people get stuff like this it’s impossible not to feel good and happy. Grandparents are the perfect example. They care about you so much and all they want to do is hear from you. Write them and surprise them this year!

HAPPY VALENTINE’S DAY!

xox,
M

P.S. This week, we’re exploring New York City’s iconic Bemelmans Bar, named after the creator of the classic Madeline children’s book series in our column History Takes Place. We’ll also take a look at an extraordinary chess collection in Piece by Piece and debut a sweet new Monica Rich Kosann original video just in time for Valentine’s Day.

[Photography by Davide Guglielmo]

Published on February 8, 2010

Tags: Capturing, Family, Monicas Blog